Is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a functional active ingredient with a targeted skincare benefit. In cosmetics it is typically found in treatment serums, moisturizers and targeted products. On a label it may also appear as ascorbic acid, vitamin c, l-ascorbic acid.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Active |
| Also known as | ascorbic acid, vitamin c, l-ascorbic acid |
Is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) comedogenic?
No — Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) cause fungal acne?
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) if you're acne-prone?
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
How Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) compares to other actives
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Allantoin | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Niacinamide | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Retinol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Salicylic Acid | 0/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) comedogenic?
No — Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) cause fungal acne?
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) safe for acne-prone skin?
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
What products is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) found in?
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a functional active ingredient with a targeted skincare benefit, and is commonly found in treatment serums, moisturizers and targeted products.
What can I use instead of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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